Quote:
Originally Posted by elhigh
...and the '89 Econoline wasn't offered with a manual...
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Yeah, actually it was. Every year of the 3rd Gen Econolines was offered with a manual trans. 75-88 or so was either the SMOD or SROD (both typical 3 speed transmissions but with an added OD 4th gear) and 87 or so-91 was the M5OD (5 speed OD transmission). I'd actually prefer the 4spd because the shifter is next to the driver's seat vs the 5spd which has its shifter exit through the engine cover, requiring shifter removal prior to accessing the rear of the engine. The 4spd also has its slave cylinder outside the case and just bolted on, whereas the 5spd has a hydraulic throwout bearing which requires transmission removal to service.
I have an automatic transmission (C6) but there have been two E-vans with manual transmissions on craigslist in my area in the last 3 months or so and both were pretty darn cheap. Thankfully (?) they've both had the older steering columns (pre-84 or so) that make a direct swap from AT to MT for my 89 less than seamless (ignition switch moved from dash to column). If a van with a MT and the correct column comes along cheaply enough I'll probably have a hard time not making the change.
Here's the one currently available in my area:
1977 ford econoline 150 van
Here's the EPA ratings for 1989 Econolines, listed with 3 speed AT (C6), 4 speed AT (AOD [E150] or E4OD [E250 & E350]), and 5 speed MT (M5OD):
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymod...conoline.shtml
If I swapped to the MT and drove normally I should expect an improvement of roughly 1 mpg in mixed driving. I have no doubt I could make that 4 mpg or so very very easily. BUT would it be worth it?
10,000 miles at 14 mpg = 714.29 gallons = $1,613.58
10,000 miles at 15 mpg = 666.67 gallons = $1,506.00
10,000 miles at 18 mpg = 555.56 gallons = $1,255.01
Fuel assumed constant at $2.259/gal. I don't think there's anyway in hell I could swap for less than $400. I'd put in a new clutch and throwout bearing, have the flywheel resurfaced, and put in new ujoints. That's most of the budget right there. I'd also need a different starter. I think buying a van with MT, swapping both trannies and reselling the donor with my C6 in it could come close but still, sketchy. I do plan on owning the van long enough to put on many more than 10,000 miles but I doubt it'll be driven much more than that amount in any given year.